An invitation to participate in the Shawl Ministry
"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles…” Written in 1998 by Janet Bristow
In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in the program of applied Feminist Spirituality. Care for others and the love of knitting (or crocheting, quilting, weaving) have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings and prayers are crocheted or knitted into each shawl. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl themselves and passing it on to someone in need. Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God! Adapted from http://www.shawlministry.com/
The Shawl Ministry at CHS
The Shawl Ministry at Church of the Holy Spirit was started by Deacon Johnine Byrer in Sept. 2004 and continues to thrive, with 150-200 shawls being distributed every year.
Prayer Shawls are made by volunteers – this ministry is open to all; men and women, the young and less young, experienced and novice. Shawls and lap blankets are knitted or crocheted but no experience is needed. We can teach! The process is meditative and the maker thinks of the recipient, known or unknown, and incorporates their prayers and blessings into the shawl as they create a shawl. It can be done while watching TV, travelling, or just about anytime, anyplace!
Shawls and lap blankets are made and given for many reasons. Often they are given to someone who has experienced a loss or an illness, but they are also given for happy occasions such as the birth of a child, a wedding or baptism. Many prayers are entwined in the stitches throughout the creation process and each shawl is blessed before being sent on its way.
Prayer Shawls are made by volunteers – this ministry is open to all; men and women, the young and less young, experienced and novice. Shawls and lap blankets are knitted or crocheted but no experience is needed. We can teach! The process is meditative and the maker thinks of the recipient, known or unknown, and incorporates their prayers and blessings into the shawl as they create a shawl. It can be done while watching TV, travelling, or just about anytime, anyplace!
Shawls and lap blankets are made and given for many reasons. Often they are given to someone who has experienced a loss or an illness, but they are also given for happy occasions such as the birth of a child, a wedding or baptism. Many prayers are entwined in the stitches throughout the creation process and each shawl is blessed before being sent on its way.
Please consider being a part of this wonderful ministry.
We hope you will share a bit of your time and creative talents. If you already know how to knit or crochet, you can jump right in! Shawls can be triangular (my favorite), rectangular or square. The latter are particularly useful as lap blankets. Patterns can be found online at many locations, including http://www.shawlministry.com/, or check Amazon for “shawl ministry” books.
If you do not know how to knit or crochet, or need a refresher course, please come to Knit and Chat and we will teach! This is a time to gather, work on current projects or learn new skills. We have yarn, hooks and needles available. We’ve been a little lax over the winter months and hope to resume a regular schedule beginning May 1st.
Knit and Chat
2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, 7-8:30 pm, in the St. Martin Room, across the hall from the office, CHS lower level.
If you do not know how to knit or crochet, or need a refresher course, please come to Knit and Chat and we will teach! This is a time to gather, work on current projects or learn new skills. We have yarn, hooks and needles available. We’ve been a little lax over the winter months and hope to resume a regular schedule beginning May 1st.
Knit and Chat
2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, 7-8:30 pm, in the St. Martin Room, across the hall from the office, CHS lower level.
Questions? Contact Karen J. Murray
908-479-6042 - kjbmurray@embarqmail.com
908-479-6042 - kjbmurray@embarqmail.com